Christmas in Solarino — Sanpalisi

The Christmas of the Land of Saint Paul

Christmas in Solarino is the festival program that accompanies the holiday season every year in the small town of Solarino, in the province of Syracuse, in the heart of southeastern Sicily. The event is also known to locals by its dialect name "Sanpalisi," an affectionate reference to Saint Paul, the town's patron saint, which has led to Solarino being nicknamed the "Land of Saint Paul." The calendar runs throughout the month of December and concludes traditionally on January 6th with the Epiphany.

A town-wide festive program

Christmas events enliven the town's most iconic spots: the central Piazza del Plebiscito, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and the Madonna delle Lacrime church, which hosts some of the most heartfelt gatherings. The program alternates between religious moments, performances, live music, and plenty of activities designed for families and children, in keeping with authentic Sicilian Christmas traditions.

Traditions, music, and the living nativity

Among the recurring highlights of each edition are:

• the living nativity scene in the small square of the Madonna delle Lacrime parish, one of the most beloved stops on the calendar;
• bagpipers and storytellers with "Tales and Ancient Christmas Novenas," bringing the sounds of popular tradition back to life;
• the fairy-tale train that travels through the town center, first dedicated to school groups and then open to everyone;
• choirs and concerts in the Madonna delle Lacrime church and the council hall, featuring musical performances and gospel moments;
• the Christmas pageant and the "Santa Claus band" parading through the streets amidst melodies and festive vibes;
• inflatables and entertainment for children in Piazza del Plebiscito, with games, tracks, and attractions.

A community celebration

Promoted by the Municipality of Solarino with the involvement of the Pro Loco, the parish, and local associations, the festival is above all a meeting point for the community. From school children, who star in shows like "Christmas of Peace," to the elderly and the many residents filling the squares, Christmas in Solarino tells the story of an inland town in the Syracuse area that experiences the holiday season with intensity, blending faith, tradition, and conviviality.